Meyer Company building in Hastings purchased by owner of Elm Salon

The Meyer Company building, a staple of downtown Hastings, has been sold.

Hastings native Beth Warner, owner of Elm Salon, and her husband Kevin recently purchased the Meyer Company building in downtown Hastings. The building has been in the city since it was built in 1863.

The storefront will no longer be the Meyer Company clothing store, but some history will still be preserved. Beth said that the Meyer Co. sign that hangs outside the building will stay. As for the building; it will be called the Meyer Company Building.

"It's history," she said.

Renovations will transform the building into four modern apartments, a few retail spaces and potentially some office space. Beth said that her salon, located at 110 Fourth St., will remain in its current location. The purchase of the Meyer Company building is a separate venture.

Two apartments currently occupy the second floor of the building along with storage spaces. If all goes to plan, the Warners will transform the space into two two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom apartments that will boast views of the river with a three-season porch. The apartments will feature open concept layouts, subway tiles and wood floors.

The Meyer Company building is one that is familiar just from growing up in Hastings. The massive storefront windows drew Beth in. However, her interest in becoming an owner of rental properties mixed with her passion for renovating old homes made the Meyer Company building the perfect investment.

"I've always wanted have have old building rental properties and it's something our family has always loved: construction and projects," Beth said.

Elm Salon went through a complete renovation after she bought the building 11 years ago. However, her most recent purchase with the Meyer building will not involve as much work because she said that it has been very well maintained by the previous owner. Beth said that the work and renovations that do need to take place are things that her and her family can do. Her father has been involved with construction for as long as she can remember and her husband will be able to help too.

There are lots of changes coming to downtown Hastings, which Beth said was to everyone's favor. There is a lot of great energy down there, she said.

Spiral Brewery is working on opening its doors, Artspace lofts recently opened, Fireside Social House recently occupied the former RJ's building and much more is on the way.

"I really feel like our downtown is about to explode," Beth said. "It's like on the edge, we are almost there."